Sumiyoshi Shrine

Sumiyoshi Jinja is a Shinto temple in Shimonoseki that ranks among the national treasures of Japan and includes five connected prayer halls with traditional chidori-hafu gables. The complex displays the rare Kyukensha architectural style from the year 1370 and houses a treasury with numerous metal artifacts, including a Korean bell from the Silla period.

The temple was founded during the era of Emperor Chuai and stood under the protection of the Ouchi and Mori clans, who carried out restoration work after the decline during the warring states period. The current main buildings date from the 14th century and survived several wars in the Yamaguchi region.

The temple bears the name of the Sumiyoshi deities, traditionally guardians of safe sea travel and revered by fishermen and merchants. During the new year ceremony, priests collect wakame seaweed from the ocean and present it as an offering, a custom showing the close bond with the coast.

The treasury opens daily in the morning and welcomes visitors for a small admission fee that grants access to the displayed objects. The temple grounds themselves are freely accessible and located in an area that is easy to reach on foot.

In the treasury stands a Korean bell from the Silla kingdom measuring about 5 feet tall (147 cm), recognized as an important cultural property of Japan. The bell shows inscriptions and decorations that offer insight into the early contacts between Korea and Japan.